Motoring Today Column

Dec 12, 2018

If there's any truth to what was reported that indeed only 7 passed a test on traffic rules, signs, road markings, etc., that was given to 9,000 motorcycle riders, we are definitely in deep trouble. And we should not be surprised at all why so many road accidents involving motorcycles happen daily many causing damage to property, injuries and deaths. That means majority of those we see on the road operating motorcycles do not have any business having their hands on the bike's handlebars.

I guess this is something we always see on the road but we seem to accept as a norm and therefore ignore this problem of having an alarming number of unsafe motorcycle riders on the road, causing chaos and mayhem that hurt themselves and others in the streets.

But then the good and welcome news is that now it seems that the problem is now being addressed and seen by responsible riders' groups themselves. And these groups have ceased their denial that indeed every day in the streets irresponsible motorcycle riders endanger themselves and other road users-motorists, pedestrians and commuters.

Many ignore traffic regulations, signals, or just even basic road courtesy. To be sure, there are many responsible riders out there but they seem to be outnumbered by the irresponsible ones, those that are ignorant of traffic regulations, signs, right of way rules, and road etiquette.

The problem has become so pervasive that groups of motorcycle riders themselves have taken initiatives to resolve this, and have been holding road safety seminars for their members and other riders nationwide over the past two years.

The group has also come out in support of Senate Bill 1822 filed by Senator JV Ejercito who is also known to be a big bike enthusiast. The bill, to be known as the Motorcycle Safety Act, recognizes the problem and seeks to solve this by establishing a mandatory road safety-training program for all riders.

SB 1822 also seeks to make it a requirement for all riders to undergo the road safety training before they can register their motorcycles. In this regard, I guess the right thing to do is make the provision that the training should not only be required before registration but yearly as a requirement before license renewal, considering that quite a number of riders do not own the bikes they ride and need not undergo bike registration.

Senator Ejercito cited statistics compiled by the MMDA that showed that riders topped the numbers of those involved and injured in road accidents in 2010.

He also noted the rise in the number of motorcycles being registered compared to four-wheel vehicles, which suggests that the number of riders involved in accidents and being injured could also increase.

In 2015 alone, 4.8 million motorcycles were registered with the LTO, more than half of the 8.7 million vehicles registered that year.

In coming out to support SB 1822, rider groups admit there is a need to educate riders on road safety and traffic regulations.

The huge disparity between those passing the traffic rules and regulations compared to the number who took the exams underscores the sad and scary reality that most of the riders on the road really are ignorant of traffic rules and regulations. That most don't really understand that by not knowing traffic regulations, they endanger themselves and others.

It also shows that there is a lot to do to fix the process of testing and licensing of motorcycle riders, and to be fair, this is also true for drivers of vehicles of more than two wheels.

But admittedly the legislation that would make road safety training mandatory for motorcycle riders is one big step to greatly improve the alarming situation. However, the bigger step is the riders' groups' accepting and recognizing the sad reality of having a majority of riders who are ill-trained and who are lacking of basic knowledge and skills to ride motorcycles.

Many in the country's riding community have been quite vocal in complaining that they have been getting an unfair share of criticism and blame for how city streets are chaotic and unsafe. Discrimination is their common cry. In coming out strongly in support of bills to educate and train riders to become responsible and safe on the road, and in taking road safety initiatives of their own, riders' groups are showing that they understand what the real problems are and how to help solve them.

And this would make solving the problem less challenging—not easier but definitely less difficult.

Toyota 's flagship sedan appears on Philippine shores this holiday season in its all-new iteration. The much-anticipated Full Model Change is what the All-New Toyota Camry is all about—an ergonomic interior which, according to Toyota prioritizes both driver and passenger comfort, and an unmatched array of performance and safety features.

With over 19 million units sold worldwide across seven generations since its introduction in 1983, the All-New Camry is aptly dubbed the "King of Sedans," whose enduring success can only be matched by Toyota's global vision of ever-better cars.

The new Toyota approach in making ever-better cars manifests in the eighth generation model by enhancing its agility, stability, and visibility. A lower center of gravity combined with a new suspension system results in the All-New Camry's sharper response and handling.

Propelled by the robust and fuel-efficient 2.5 L Dual VVT-i engine, the All-New Camry offers a smooth driving experience like no other. The 6-Speed Automatic Transmission gives freedom of choice through Drive Mode Select, letting you cruise between Sport andEco modes. The All-New Camry also assists the driver in higher speeds by adding theHighly Responsive Upshift Control and Blipping Downshift Control, both activated in S mode to allow for extremely fast shifting without reducing engine braking and lowering shock. A floor-mounted pedal moves in coordination with the driver for more natural feedback and enhanced control of the vehicle.

The All-New Camry also scored a definitive 5-star ASEAN NCAP rating, making it one of the safest passenger cars in the market. Aside from its 7 strategically placed airbags, the eighth generation model uses an Electronic Parking Brake. All variants are equipped with Hill Start Assist, Vehicle Stability Control, and Anti-Lock Brake System.

You can check the nearest Toyota dealership to see up close and personal the All-New Camry and perhaps arrange for a test drive.

Happy Motoring!!!

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